Try laser before surgery because....

September 24th, 2014

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CALMS or cafe au lait macules are
notoriously difficult to predict. 50-60% respond to laser, and if so, I
would choose the 1064 (or 755 Alex) Q switch laser. Of those that respond 1/3
to one half will recur over time, but can be retreated. With the event of newer
lasers in the PICOSECOND pulse duration, clearance rates maybe higher, studies
are now being undertaken all over the world. We don't really know yet how pico
lasers will work on CALMS.

If you undergo surgery, more than
likely serial excision will be best- you need to discuss with your surgeon what
is best. The scar following surgery can always be lasered.

My suggestion- wait for the pico
studies, as if performed correctly, scarring will be minimal.

Surgery for birthmarks

August 4th, 2009

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Both laser treatments and surgery are options for your birthmark. We agree with Dr. Rajagopal that q-switched lasers are an excellent option and you should find out what kind of laser was used for your treatments and if it was a 1064 or 755 nm q-switched laser. Just because you did not respond to treatment previously does not mean lasers will not work for you. But you must make sure you are being treated by an experienced practitioner using q-switched lasers. Surgical removal is an option as well and we have done this before in cases where a birthmark reappears repeatedly after laser treatment or does not respond to lasers.

Birthmark Removal Pictures

Lasers best option for removing cafe au lait birthmarks

May 15th, 2009

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The best way to remove café au lait birthmarks is through the use of laser treatments. A QS 1064 nm or QS 755 nm laser would be the most effective type of laser for removing a café au lait birthmark. Several treatments are required for birthmark removal. Cost of treatments varies depending on the size of the birthmark. I would suggest asking to do a “test spot” of the birthmark with your doctor, which means treating a small area of the birthmark first to see how it responds to the laser treatment.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.